Wests Tigers playmaker Robbie Farah is in serious doubt for Monday's NRL clash with Penrith at Campbelltown Stadium as he battles a chronic back injury.

Farah has not trained all week and is believed to be suffering from nerve damage in his back which is providing deferred pain down his legs.

The Tigers hooker received a cortisone injection this week to settle the injury, but coach Tim Sheens concedes his star player is in doubt to face the Panthers.

"He has had some issues with his back and other issues. But at the moment it's an ongoing treatment and a couple of issues he has got," said Sheens.

"We will know more probably a bit later but it will probably be Monday by the time we make a decision on it.

"Young (Stuart) Flanagan has been training and we will see whether or not Robbie plays."

The Tigers could ill-afford to lose Farah ahead of their clash with the Panthers, he's been the leader of their attack since Benji Marshall succumbed to injury in round one and was man of the match in both their opening wins.

Sheens meanwhile has recommended assistant Royce Simmons for any upcoming head coaching roles, believing the former Panthers mentor ready to resume in the hot seat.

"If I wasn't here I think they would give him the job here," said Sheens.

"I don't want to lose him and I can't recommend him better than that."

Simmons coached the Panthers for eight years after his playing career finished, but has worked as Sheens' assistant for the past six seasons including the 2005 premiership win.

However, his options of coaching in the NRL appear limited.

Brisbane are searching for a replacement for Wayne Bennett, but otherwise there are no other jobs currently available unless the Bulldogs and Penrith sack their coaches.

Steve Folkes will be told by the Dogs within the next month if he will get a contract renewal, while Elliott's position will come under further pressure unless player unrest eases or the club makes significant on-field improvements.

And Simmons is one of several high profile candidates looking for work, including Ian Millward, Daniel Anderson and Nathan Brown.

Simmons says he feels better equipped to deal with the responsibilities of being a head coach, and would be prepared to coach in England, but won't be chasing any jobs unless he is sounded out by the club.

"The main reason I've come to the Tigers is to work under Tim Sheens who is one of the all-time great coaches," said Simmons.

"I've worked with him now for six years and have gained a real lot of valuable lessons.

"I would be doing the wrong thing by the Tigers if I wasn't here to better myself to become a better coach. Whether that is to get another job at another club or to stay here and coach the Tigers.

"I think the next job I get is probably my final job ... so I have to make sure I get the right job."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP